Halloween Lights

Tomorrow is Halloween, one of the world’s oldest holidays. Celebrations during Halloween involve imagery steeped in mystery, magic and certain superstitions. Carving pumpkins or jack-o’-lanterns is something that kids and adults enjoy. Over the ages, traditions and beliefs associated with Halloween have evolved. Symbolism is important during this holiday. Since mind and spirit are intangibles, symbolism may sometimes help unravel the mysteries of the mind. 

Seeing things the way they are

A couple of centuries ago, lived a great writer who contributed significantly to the world literature. Some of his works are considered literary classics. He had his share of admirers and critics, mostly the former. One particular critic stood out and dogged this writer throughout his literary career. Lacking the writing skills of the protagonist, the critic mostly used the “spoken word” as his medium. Living in the same town, they often ran into each other. One evening, they happened to cross paths in a dark and narrow alley. Facing the writer, the staunch critic exclaimed, “I don’t make way for fools!” The writer politely stepped aside and remarked, “On the other hand, I do.”

Steve Jobs (1955-2011)

This week marks the passing of a great mind. Steve Jobs successfully turned technology into an art form.  In doing so, he brought several iconic objects into the lives of millions of people around the world, enabling them to get to an intersection of the information, entertainment and communication realms. All of this with the swipe of one’s finger. His creations were brilliant masterpieces of industrial design, transforming complex engineering into simple and intuitive experiences. The user interface, or the “mind” of his products such as the iPhone, mesh seamlessly with their outer casings.